RED ROSE runners were out in force at the Bolton 10k, racing in one of the largest and longest established road running events in the county.

Hosted by Bolton United Harriers and Athletic Club, the race once again attracted a good mix of club-class competitors, social runners, beginners and charity fundraisers.

Organisers initially feared they could be heading for a low turn out due to on-line technical problems hitting entries.

But nearly 600 runners competed in the popular race, staged at Leverhulme Park.

The challenging course incorporates the undulating roads around and within Leverhulme Park – and the relatively quick course always offers club runners personal best potential.

This year’s prize went south, though, with Herne Hill Harriers ace Chris Busaileh stopping the clock on 33minutes 19 seconds, ahead of runner-up, Bolton United Harriers and AC star Anthony Valentine (33mins 56secs) Blackburn Harriers’ Christopher Davies produced a superb show too, finishing in 27th place, clocking 38mins 51secs, while David Birtwistle from Blackburn Road Runners took 41st place in 40mins 8secs.

Some of those disappointed not to have gained entry to this year’s London Marathon, once again gave the race an extra boost with 589 going to post after an entertaining fun run for children and supporters ahead of the big race.

All finishing positions were decided on gun-time and Nick Murphy, from Darwen Dashers, clocking 69th in 41mins 52secs, while John Cookson, Blackburn Harriers, collected 124th place (45mins 14secs).

Just in front, and four places ahead of him was Stuart Kane from Trawden AC (45mins 7secs) – while team mate Tim Coyne finished in a very respectable 165th place.

Chorley Athletic and Tri Club were well represented too, Simon Brindle landing 110th place with a fine run (44mins 28secs) while Harry Harper came home in 169th place (47mins 8secs) and Stuart Swann (MV40) in 290th (51mins 57secs) The ladies were in top form too, with Linda Clarkson from Darwen Dashers (F45) charging across the line in 214th position, (48mins 45secs), while Blackburn Road Runners’ Beverley Tabiner (F35) clocked 50mins 53secs.

Also, Vicki Brindle from Chorley Athletic and Tri Club dipped under the hour with a time of 59mins 49secs to take 459th place.